Great Animal Movies to Watch

The first long weekend of the summer season is approaching, and though many people spend time outdoors, if you live in an area where the weather is expected to be less than ideal (of if you just want to kick around your PJs a bit for some needed R&R), here are some great movie ideas for you and your family:

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is the story about the dog-human bond. It's about loyalty to the "nth-degree!" The movie stars Richard Gere and Joan Allen and a beautiful Akita. Based on a true story about a dog in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s, Hachi, a dog, waits for his master's return for nearly a decade. If you don't cry, or at least get choked up about Hatchi's (the Akita) devotion to his person, your heart is stone! Learn more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028532/

"Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" features the voices of Michael J. Fox and Sally Field and again, showcases the devotion of pets to their owners as three lost pets make their way through wilderness, storms, and thousands of miles to return to their beloved family. SPOILER ALERT: I always cry when the old Golden Retriever crests the hill, limping but alive! See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107131/ for more information.

"Because of Winn Dixie" may be classified as a kids' movie, but adults can learn alot about life and loyalty as well! See http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317132/ for more information.

I never saw "Marley & Me" the movie, but I read the book -- animal death scenes are difficult for me and with senior dogs at my house, I think I'll wait on this one awhile. But, I hear it's a pretty good movie. Visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0822832/ for more information.

Additionally, there are NUMEROUS great dog and cat books available at libraries and bookstores. Maybe you want to take one on your camping trip and sit by the campfire to read in the evening. Or curl up in your favorite chair on Sunday afternoon for a good rest with a good book. "Marley and Me" was already mentioned; "Dewey" about the library cat in Iowa; "Saturdays with Stella" and the various "Chicken Soup" for pet lovers area also great reads. Check out information on these books at http://www.amazon.com/.

And, if you like knowing more about the loyalty of dogs, there's a wonderful story about a dog, like Hachi that lived in Montana during the 1930s. Like Hachi, this dog greeted every train that rolled into Fort Benton, Montana looking for his master. This dog's name was Shep, and, also like Hachi of Japan, a bronze statue of this loyal dog graces the town. Another story to bring tears to your eyes. Learn more about Shep's story at http://www.fortbenton.com/shep/story.html. There are also books about this special dog. Find a listing on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+story+of+shep&x=17&y=21

Couldn't we people learn great lessons for Shep, Hachi, and the stories behind each of these movies and books? No wonder we love our pets so much!

Enjoy a safe holiday weekend and don't forget to include your pets -- and a good movie or book or two!